Tis the season of overdoing, stress, and burnout. Where is the joy? While we would like our holidays to be like a Hallmark movie, the reality is that for many it is a time of stress and sometimes personality clashes.

Today, I want to share a story with you that’s close to my heart. It’s about a client of mine, let’s call her Sarah. Sarah, like many of us, juggled work, family, and her own personal needs. But, she often found herself stretched thin, neglecting her own health and well-being.

One day, Sarah came to me, looking exhausted. Her eyes, usually bright with energy, were dimmed with fatigue. She confessed that she’d been struggling with sleep, stress, and a host of health issues. “I just don’t know how to say ‘no’ to others,” she admitted. This was a turning point for Sarah, and perhaps, it might resonate with you too.

Setting healthy boundaries is not just about saying ‘no’ to others, but about saying ‘yes’ to ourselves. It’s about recognizing that our health and well-being are vital. So, how do we start setting these boundaries? Here are a few steps that helped Sarah, and I hope they’ll inspire you too:

1. Understand Your Limits: Start by understanding your own limits. What feels manageable? When do you start feeling overwhelmed? Recognizing these signals is the first step.
2. Communicate Clearly: Once you know your limits, communicate them. It’s okay to let people know when you’re available and when you’re not. Remember, clear communication is key.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for yourself. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a brisk walk, or a yoga session, prioritize activities that replenish your energy.
4. Learn to Say ‘No’: It’s not easy, but it’s essential. Saying ‘no’ to others can sometimes mean saying ‘yes’ to your own health and happiness.
5. Seek Support: You’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional who can support you in maintaining these boundaries.
6. Calm Your Nervous system: Practice relaxation techniques, take an Epsom salt bath, use L theanine to give you calm focus, calming lotions with lavender, diffuse lavender essential oils, try cortisol manager for a restful sleep, all these products are available in the Holiday Stress Survival Kit at a 10% discount. You can buy the full bundle or remove the products you don’t want at checkout.

Holidays don’t have to be stressful. Choosing what brings you joy and saying no to what does not, can be liberating, reduce stress and enhance your health in so many ways. Saying no to others and yes to yourself is a new muscle to build. Start small and practice. You can and will get better at it. These techniques are great for everyday life, not just for the holidays.

Bring the joy back into the holidays and stress less.